1. Clean and declutter the property.
Let's get it straight — no one likes to buy a property that looks like a tornado just swept through it. Potential buyers are inclined toward a neat and clean property as it makes it easier to imagine themselves living there.
So, as a good agent, it's your job to consider increasing your client’s property value. In that case, you must start by helping your client clean and declutter the space before initiating any expensive renovations or redesigns.
Start by going through each room with your client and disposing of anything that's no longer needed, functional, or utilized. Then, organize things in baskets or cabinets to keep everything in its place. It will make the property look more modern and simplify it so potential purchasers can see the space and see whether their belongings fit.
Tips for decluttering and organizing.
Cleaning and organizing can be daunting, but it's essential to prepare your client’s property for sale. Here are valuable tips you can share with your clients to help them efficiently organize their property:
The Three-Box Method. Use the three-box method — "Keep," "Toss," and "Donate" —when decluttering. Keep the crucial things, toss the unnecessary stuff, and donate those things others can use. It will help you sort through your belongings quickly and make the decluttering process less overwhelming.
The KonMari Method. The KonMari method, made famous by Marie Kondo, is enjoyable and highly effective in decluttering and bringing order to your property. Gather your things in one place, then go through each item and ask if it sparks joy. If the item no longer brings value or pleasure, it's time to bid farewell.
Label Everything. Once you've organized everything, label it. It will make finding the new families' needs easier and impress buyers with your attention to detail.
Use Underutilized Spaces. Look for non-utilized spaces in your property. Places under the stairs or in a spare closet can all be transformed into storage areas. Use shelves, racks, or cabinets to maximize the space and keep things organized.
Use Stylish Storage Solutions. Storage doesn't have to be boring. You can buy colorful baskets or unique shelving to add character to your property while keeping it organized.
2. Enhance curb appeal.
The importance of a good first impression cannot be overstated — especially when selling a house after recently buying it. The first impression your client’s property makes sets the tone for the rest of the buyer's visit, and it can influence the buyer’s decision to make a bold offer.
Most potential buyers form opinions about a property within the first few seconds of arrival. It means that the curb appeal of the exterior of your client’s property, including the landscaping and the front door, is crucial in creating a lasting impression.
According to research by Alex X. Niemiera, a horticulturist at Virginia Tech, a well-landscaped home can have a 5.5-12.7% price advantage over a house with no landscaping. That means your client’s $300,000 property could see a value increase of $16,500 to $38,100!
But what makes a well-landscaped home? According to Niemiera, buyers first go for a sophisticated design look. As a real estate agent, you can help your client provide a cohesive look that complements their property's style and architecture.
Additionally, utilizing an online invoice management system can help you and your client keep track of any expenses incurred during decluttering, organizing, and cleaning, ensuring accurate record-keeping and simplifying financial management.
Tips for enhancing curb appeal.
Here are some tips you as real estate agents can share with your clients to help elevate the property's curb appeal and make it stand out:
Landscaping. Start with landscaping, adding flowers, plants, and trees that perfectly complement your property's architecture and style.
Exterior Repairs. Repair any cracks or damage to your driveway or walkway, and update your mailbox and house numbers. Bring new life to your property's exterior by opting for a fresh coat of paint in a timeless color, a simple yet impactful choice, especially if it has been a while since the last paint application.
Lighting. You can install landscape lighting to highlight your landscaping and architectural features. By doing so, you can add stylish and functional outdoor lighting fixtures.
Front Door. Try painting your front door a bold color. You can also add some decorative hardware to make your centerpiece a statement.
Outdoor Seating. Remember to create an inviting outdoor space with comfortable seating, such as a bench or chair.
3. Upgrade the kitchen.
Investing in kitchen upgrades is a foolproof approach to elevating the value of your client’s property. According to research by Remodeling Magazine, a minor kitchen remodel can have an average return on investment of 81.1%. Similarly, significant kitchen remodeling can have an average return of 59%.
But why is a modern and functional kitchen so important? Besides the obvious fact that we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it's also one key area that potential buyers scrutinize when viewing your property. A cramped kitchen can be a significant turnoff, while a modern and functional kitchen can be a central selling point.
So as a real estate agent, it is crucial to make sure you and your clients consider the average cost when planning a kitchen remodel, which generally involves a budget of $20,000 or higher.
Tips for upgrading the kitchen.
Your client doesn't have to spend their last dime to create a modern and functional kitchen. Being a real estate agent, you have to secure your margins as well!
For example, simple upgrades like replacing outdated appliances, adding a fresh coat of paint, and swapping out hardware can make a big difference.
The following are some practical tips you can share with your seller clients to help them upgrade their kitchens and transform them into masterpieces:
Replace Old Cabinets. Updating your kitchen entails replacing the old, worn-out, and outdated cabinets with a fresh supply. You can shop for cabinets online to replace the old ones with new modern ones and enhance the look and feel of your kitchen.
Modernize Appliances. Old, outdated appliances can make a kitchen feel drab and uninviting. Replace them with modern energy-efficient appliances that add value to your property.
Countertops. Investing in high-quality countertops like durable granite or quartz enhances your kitchen's functionality. These kitchen countertops are not only easy to maintain but also serve as a worthwhile investment.
Add Decorative Lighting. Update your kitchen's old and malfunctioning light fixtures. Add strip lights under the cabinet to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Backsplash. A stylish and modern backsplash with glass, stone, or tile can add visual interest to your kitchen.
4. Renovate bathrooms.
A dingy or outdated bathroom can be a major repellant and a buyer turnoff. Picture a bathroom with faucets that constantly leak, showers that fail to function correctly, limited storage space, and insufficient lighting. No wonder it’s a major turnoff for potential buyers, right? A poorly designed bathroom can lower the value of your client’s property.
To circumvent this price deflation, ask your client if they’re interested in a bathroom renovation. Investing in a beautifully decorated and meticulously designed bathroom will enhance the visual appeal of their property and will add significant value to it.
They can get started by adding new fixtures, faucets, showers, and fittings. Good lighting, ventilation, and soundproofing will create a comfortable and soothing environment. Additionally, adding luxurious features like heated floors and rain shower heads can make their bathroom feel like a personal oasis.
Tips for renovating bathrooms.
Listed below are some creative tips about bathroom renovations you can share with your clients that will turn their bathrooms into a luxurious oasis:
Go for Unique Fixtures. Swap out basic fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and towel bars. Consider options like a statement sink or a showerhead with a unique shape or finish to add a touch of aesthetics.
Choose Bold Tiles. If you want to update your bathroom's tile, bold and colorful options can be a good go. You can also create a unique pattern with a monochromatic look.
Create a Focal Point. Adding a statement piece to your bathroom, like a clawfoot tub or a modern freestanding tub, can assemble a focal point that draws the eye and adds personality to the space.
Add Storage. If your bathroom needs to be more spacious, install built-in shelves or cabinets that fit your space and style. A storage tower or floating shelves can also do the job and give a unique touch while maximizing space.
Go for a Unique Vanity. You can choose a custom-built vanity with interesting materials or a modern floating vanity with an unusual shape to add a personalized touch to the bathroom.
Use Mirrors. Mirrors are a great option to enhance the value of space and style.
5. Add square footage.
If your client’s home has small rooms and narrow passageways, you may question whether you'll ever be able to sell the property at a higher price while maintaining your client’s profit margins. However, there's no need to worry! Your client can easily increase the square footage of their property and get rid of that claustrophobic feeling.
Expanding a living area can substantially impact a property’s overall ambiance, attractiveness, and value. This can be accomplished by incorporating extra square footage. Adding square footage creates a more comfortable and stylish living space, making it a wise investment to increase the property's value before listing it for sale.
Tips for adding square footage.
Adding square footage to a property can be significant, but the outcomes can be worth the investment. Have your client use a home renovation checklist and follow these creative tips for adding square footage to their property effortlessly:
Finish the Basement. A finished basement can add significant living space to your home. You can place carpet or flooring, add insulation, or paint the walls to create a cozy and comfortable basement.
Convert the Attic. Converting your attic into a livable space is another excellent way to add square footage to your home.
Add a Room Over the Garage. Transform the space above your flat-roofed garage into a functional room, effectively creating extra living space within your home.
Build a Sunroom. You can create a sunroom by adding plenty of windows and skylights to welcome natural light and create a bright and cheerful space. You can even get a solar panel to maximize the benefits from the sunlight.
6. Paint and refresh.
Your client can give their property a well-deserved makeover through painting, allowing it to exude a vibrant and rejuvenated presence. A fresh coat of paint does the job for their property’s appearance, inside and out. It can revive old walls, instantly brighten a space, breathe new life, and increase its value — the benefits of painting a home go beyond this!
Paint positively impacts mood and overall well-being. A freshly painted room can create a sense of tranquility and relaxation, offering an idyllic retreat to recharge and decompress after a busy day. It can also protect your walls from damage and wear and tear, extending the lifespan of your home's interior and exterior.
Tips for painting and refreshing the property.
Painting is not just about slapping on a new color — it's about creating a cohesive and inviting space with which potential buyers will fall in love.
So, here are some creative tips you can share with your clients to help them grab a brush and start painting their way to a luxurious home today:
Choose the Right Colors. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and white are always safe when painting your home. This color palette creates a clean, timeless look that appeals to many buyers. However, you can also add a pop of color to make a statement wall or add interest to a room — it all depends upon choices.
Don't Forget About the Trim. Besides painting walls, remember to paint your trim and doors to adorn your room well. A different color than your walls would create contrast and add visual interest.
Refresh Your Cabinets. If your cabinets look outdated or worn out, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint, or removing paint entirely. Refreshing the cupboards, cabinets, and racks with a new color splash can create an aesthetic appeal.
Update Your Fixtures. Swapping out old light fixtures and hardware for new, modern options can instantly refresh the look of your home. You can update faucets, doorknobs, and light fixtures for a more cohesive and polished look.
Conclusion: selling your way to maximize profits!
Helping your client to upgrade, improve, and renovate their property can increase the chances of attracting potential buyers — and the probability of securing a higher selling price.
Several ways exist to enhance a property's value, from simple tasks like renewing paint or decluttering space to more extensive renovations like upgrading kitchens and bathrooms. Investing in landscaping, cleaning up the curb appeal, and updating the property's energy efficiency can make it more attractive to buyers.
These renovation projects will accentuate your space and generally take its value up a notch. The time is ripe to make your client’s property shine and leave a lasting impression.
Sophia Baddeley - Guest Writer and creator of Delightfully Noted
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